Bharath Sigh trained Castlebridge was expected to merely complete the formalities in the 1600 metres Gr 2 Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Gold Club Mysore 2000 Guineas, the second classic of the season on Wednesday and he did so much with consummate ease. The progeny of Burden of Proof was cut above the opposition and despite the saddle reportedly having shifted, the favourite had no problem in winning by a margin of over eight lengths.

The race ceased to have whatever competitive interest it had after Mauritania was withdrawn on veterinary grounds. Jockey Suraj Narredu had to merely stay in the saddle to get the classic win. He had Castlebridge lead from the start and though the colt was inclined to run too freely in front and gave problems for the jockey in settling down on an even keel. The saddle reportedly shifted at around the 800 meters marker but this caused no hiccup as the horse was so far in front and was not required to be ridden out. Turf Star was long way second ahead of Megasthenes. The others finished way down the field.

The 1200 metres Justice P Medappa Memorial Trophy, a race for horses rated 60 and above, appeared to be at the mercy of Aravind Ganapathy trained Krieger with only Side Winder as a possible threat. However, Krieger let down huge expectations. Side Winder got a brisk start from the gates and had a good cushion over Krieger. The latter, despite being ridden out, failed to bridge the gap in the straight and had to settle for the second spot as the front-runner had enough legs to go past the post comfortably ahead of the favourite. Clever Trick ran on to finish third.

S M Johnson trained Benedetta was backed spiritedly to oblige in the 1400 metres Margrove Estate Trophy, a race for horses rated 40 to 65. Benedetta showed up prominently with a furlong left in the race and despite drifting out under pressure, had enough ammunition to stave off the spirited bid of Be Bold. Benedetta`s outward drift caused slight inconvenience to the progress of Be Bold but it was not serious enough for the race to be taken away. Jockey Sai Kumar objected against Srinath for interference but since it made no material difference and the jockey had taken all corrective measures, the objection was overruled in quick time. Excelonce nosed out Kir Royale for the third position.

Suraj Narredu drove out Masada to victory in the 2000 metres Alekona Trophy, a race for horses rated 40 to 65. The favourite was subjected to a veterinary check before being allowed to run. Suraj had Masada track Imitation Game till turning for home and then pushed the favourite to take charge. Masada fought a resolute battle in front to keep the strong challenge of the well-backed Flirting Eyes at bay. Back of Beyond was a close third.

Imtiaz Khan trained Mischief Flyer brought off the biggest of the day, winning the 1200 metres Meerut Plate (Div I), a race for horses rated 0 to 25 in a tight finish with Calico King. Mischief Flyer got the better of Happy Hour in the final furlong and bounced clear. The late rally of favourite Calico King failed to produce the desired result as the long shot held on to win by a long neck. Happy Hours saved the third place from Air of Distinction by a similar margin. Sharat Kumar trained Perfectgoldenera produced a powerful effort in the final furlong to get the better of Grey Hound in the closing strides of the race to land the spoils in the lower division of the race. Emancipation necked out As Good As It Gets to save place money.

Girinath trained Malkia was well supported to win the1400 metres Hogenakal Plate race for horses rated 20 to 45. Jockey John had Malkia track Azure Fire into the straight before asking the favourite to spurt clear. Malkia changed gears as it were and stormed ahead. Malkia was so far ahead of the rest that the late rally of Flash Time was bound to prove a futile one. Felix Legion was third.

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Castlebridge (Suraj Narredu up) winner of the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club Mysore 2000 Guineas 2017 (Gr.3)

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Perfectgoldenera (Naveen M up) winner of the Meerut Plate (Div-II)

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Mischief Flyer (T S Jodha up) winner of the Meerut Plate (Div-I)

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Masada (Suraj Narredu up) winner of the Alekona Trophy

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Benedetta (Y S Srinath up) winner of the Margrove Estate Trophy

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Side Winder (T S Jodha up) winner of the Justice P.Medapa Memorial Trophy

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Malkia (S John up) winner of the Hogenakal Plate

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